Wednesday, December 25, 2013

Merry Christmas - let's be Christ-Like

Hello!
Well, I suck at posting to my blog on time, but my heart is in the right place. Anyway, I'll get to it. I have had a wild and emotional year. Most of 2013 sucked hard, but it's looking up! I am truly blessed. My children are blessed. So blessed I can't help but think of all those who aren't.

I am giving away $5000 to charity this season. Broken up as follows:

$3000 - School programs in my community
$500 - Wellspring - We are going there tonight to spend time with the kids and hand out goodies. If you're in the area. Come down! We will be there from 4-6pm.
$500 - Skateistan - A wonderful program dedicated to empowering young women. Here's a video
$500 - The Malala Fund - A 16y/o girl with the strength of conviction to stand up to the Taliban. Here's a video

I have $500 left to give. Please post a link to one of your favorite charities and I will donate a portion of the remaining funds to your charity. Must be a non-profit. Thank you!!



GIVEAWAY!!!


Also, to thank all of you for being so amazing to me. I will be flying one lucky person to one of my book signings in 2014 (up to $500)! U.S. Only. International winner can receive $300 giftcard to Amazon. U.S. winner may also choose giftcard prize in lieu of airfare. Winner must have own hotel accommodations and pay any additional airline fees (baggage etc). Winner will be announced January 1st, 2014. COME PARTY WITH ME!

Saturday, December 7, 2013

Upcoming Appearances 2014!

Upcoming Appearances 2014!

Check out the following dates I will be out and about in 2014!! I will have copies of my books for sale and autograph. However, feel free to bring your own paperbacks or anything you want signed.


(Bondage Expo)
April 25 - 27th, 2014


Book Bash 2014
June 27th - 29th, 2014


July 25th - 27th, 2014


Penned Con
September 12th, 2014


LoveNVegas Author Event
October 25-26, 2014



Kailin Gow's Rockin' Hollywood
December 6, 2014
CANCELLED (Not the event, just my attendance due to personal reasons)


So hold on to your underwear - I'll expect you to surrender them at strip poker. ;)



Thursday, November 28, 2013

Happy Thanksgiving!

On this day of thanks, I'd like to express my gratitude for many things. Earlier this year I received some difficult news about my mom and have spent the months since then in one of the deepest depressions I've ever experienced. Last week, she underwent a very risky surgery in the hopes of extending her life expectancy. We didn't have high hopes and I was trying to prepare myself for the worst. Lo and behold, she made it through the surgery and has been recovering better than I could have possibly hoped! My heart is incredibly full and I get tears of gratitude in my eyes every time I think of the blessings in my life.

I would never have been able to afford my mother's surgery if not for the love and support of all my incredible fans. Before The Dark Duet, my family and I were struggling in an economy where college degrees mean very little and even veterans are hard-pressed to find work. We were living off of our credit cards and working harder than ever to stay above water. I haven't had to worry about how I'm going to pay my bills in the last two years and I owe it all to you and the incredible support of my family!

I want to thank my husband for being an incredible man who loves me and treats me like his real partner. We are an amazing team and whenever our backs have been against the wall I know there is no one I would rather have next to me in a tough spot.

I'm thankful for my kids because they have kept me going this year when I would much rather have laid down to quit. My love for them makes me strive to be a better mother and person. They inspire me to love with all I have, to play because it keeps me young, and to never give up because I am their example.

I'm thankful for the talented friends I have made during my journey as a writer. They have embraced me as one of their own, given me advice when I've needed it, offered a shoulder to cry on, reassured me, uplifted me and even propelled my career through their fan base. I LOVE YOU!

Anyway, I'm getting all emotional. Happy Thanksgiving you little pervs.

OH! Before I forget! Stay tuned to the blog because I'm looking into an epic damn giveaway for Christmas. YOU WON'T WANT TO MISS IT!!

All my love,
CJ

Friday, November 15, 2013

CAUTIVA EN LA OSCURIDAD

Ahora Disponible (sólo en EE.UU.)



Desde USA Today Superventas Autora CJ Roberts … 

CAUTIVA EN LA OSCURIDAD

Caleb es un hombre con un singular interés por la venganza. Secuestrado cuando era niño y vendido como esclavo por un mafioso hambriento de poder, no ha pensado en nada excepto la venganza. Durante doce años se ha sumergido en el mundo de los esclavos de placer buscando al hombre que él considera responsable en última instancia. Finalmente, el arquitecto de su sufrimiento ha surgido con una nueva identidad, pero no con una nueva naturaleza. Si Caleb consigue acercarse lo suficientemente para atacar, debe convertirse en la misma cosa que aborrece y secuestrar a una hermosa chica para entrenarla para ser todo lo que él fue una vez.

Olivia Ruiz de dieciocho años acaba de despertar en un lugar extraño. Atada con los ojos vendados y solo una tranquila voz masculina paradarle la bienvenida. Su nombre es Caleb, aunque él exige ser llamado Amo. Olivia es joven, hermosa, ingenua y testaruda a más no poder. Tiene una oscura sensualidad que no puede ser escondida o negada, aunque ella intenta conseguir ambas cosas. A pesar de que tiene miedo del fuerte, sádico y arrogante hombre que la tiene prisionera, lo que mantiene a Olivia despierta en la oscuridad es su indeseada atracción por él.

ADVERTENCIA: Este libro contiene situaciones muy perturbadoras, consentimiento dudoso, lenguaje fuerte y violencia gráfica.

Puedes comprarlo aquí

Thursday, November 14, 2013

Upcoming Appearances November 2013!

HELLO!! If you are in the area, I would love to invite you to a few very small book signings I am having in California over the next two weeks. Given the lack of publicity (spur of the moment) I am expecting very few people. So if you're around, please stop by and let's hang out. I will have limited copies of Captive in the Dark for sale and autograph. However, feel free to bring your own paperbacks or anything you want signed.

Wednesday, November 20th 7pm - 9pm Doubletree, Bakersfield

Saturday, November 23rd 1pm - 3pm Omni Los Angeles Hotel at California Plaza

Tuesday, November 26th 7pm - 9pm Doubletree, Bakersfield


Saturday, November 30th 1pm - 3pm Embassy Suites, Glendale

Monday, October 14, 2013

The Censorship Police Are At It Again!

THIS WILL BE QUICK AND DIRTY:

I have not yet been notified that CAPTIVE IN THE DARK or SEDUCED IN THE DARK will be removed from Amazon and Barnes & Noble, but it's possible.

For the record, I do not believe in censorship. Though I realize Amazon and B&N are publicly traded companies and have the right to form their own policies, I also believe the relationship between large corporations and our government cannot be ignored. Censorship is a slippery slope.

PayPal tried to do something similar over a year ago by pressuring Smashwords to remove erotic titles from its catalog and the collective outcry from readers put a stop to it. I hope the same happens here.

I wrote a blog post about what happened with Smashwords if anyone is interested.

For the time being, I recommend backing up your books on your computer if you want to keep them. Additionally, since Smashwords has already been through this debacle and defeated it. I reccomend NEW readers to purchase from them. Use the link above to find the series page.

Best of luck to all my fellow indie erotica authors as we go through this shit again!

SOURCE: http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/technology-24491723

UPDATE 1: B&N will refund removed books, but are removing titles. Not mine, but I know of at least one author who has had her books taken down (Bianca Sommerland). No word yet on Amazon refunds or if this affects US readers or just UK. The link was BBC.

From Bianca Sommerland (affected by censorship on Amazon): Hey, CJ! Thanks for the information, reading everything I can find. So far, my book is still on Amazon, but blocked on my dashboard and I was told they wouldn't sell it anymore. Starting when, I have no idea. Waiting for a reply about what's going on.








Friday, September 13, 2013

The New Caleb: Mike Vogel or Joseph Morgan?

Well, I just can't freakin' decide! Damn you, Charlie Hunnam! Damn your sexy mouth, penetrating eyes, and nearly non-existent inhibitions! Phew...over it.

Anyway, after much sweaty research, I have narrowed it down to TWO gorgeous, talented, and adventurous men. Since I can't decide, let's vote!

First, a Caleb character description from Epilogue: The Dark Duet:

Height: 6’4’’ Weight: 210? Desc: blond hair, Caribbean blue eyes. A full mouth made for kissing. He has a canine tooth that is a bit sharp and slightly out of line with all of this other perfect teeth (the first time I saw him smile). Muscular, but lean—not bulky or overly muscled. His skin is tan from the sun, not a machine. He has almost invisible blond hair everywhere (kissing his back, they stood on end—super soft).


Mannerisms: Caleb always seems to think something is funny or amusing (that ridiculous smirk). His eyes can be beautiful or fucking terrifying (peaceful waters v. dark murky water). His mouth gets tense when he’s pissed and trying not to show it. He scowls a lot and sometimes he does it while he’s smiling, which usually means he’s about to do something especially cruel (that first whipping).

Below I have pictures and scenes of them in action. Enjoy the man nummies.

Mike Vogel





Joseph Morgan





VOTE!

Tuesday, September 3, 2013

The best way to get over a guy is to get under a new one!

By now, you've heard the news that former Caleb hopeful, Charlie Hunnam, has been plucked from relative obscurity to play in the major leagues as billionaire dungeon master, Christian Grey.

I have to admit I was completely blindsided by the pick since he wasn't one of the contenders we'd heard about in the months since we discovered there would be a 50 Shades of Grey movie.

Within minutes my Facebook, Twitter accounts, along with my phone were bombarded with messages to bring me the news and ask how I felt about it. Well, I can't say I was too upset (though I did play along). After all, E.L. James has a movie franchise and I'm still trying to get on a book shelf at my local Books-A-Million. To say we are in different leagues is an understatement.

Still, it sucks to have your fantasy cast member seduced from the dark side into the grey area (terrible pun).


I had the pleasure of meeting Mr. Hunnam at the LoneStar Motorcycle Rally in Galveston, last year. I gifted him with copies of the Dark Duet and he gifted me with his warm body pressed against me while we took a photo. His exact words before we snapped the picture: "Can I hold you?"




My Reaction!


I wish Mr. Hunnam and the incomparable E.L. James the best. I hope the movie does what the books have done: Open the door to the rest of us. Captive in the Dark was in the works long before I knew of 50, but I know that without him, many readers may not have discovered Caleb.

However, I'm not the type to pine away after a man who isn't mine anymore. It was fun, Charlie, but I have to get over you.

Help me crown a new Caleb and win a free paperback copy of Epilogue (Book 3, The Dark Duet)!

Paul Walker

I find him sexy, but does he have the acting chops?



Ryan Gosling

Sexy, talented, has done indie...I drooool


Zac Efron

He's older now and sexy as all hell

Chris Pine

Too manly or is his face just boyish enough?


Drew Van Acker

Relatively unknown and dripping sex appeal


Alex Pettyfer

He might be taken, but mmm!


Jensen Ackles

He's DEFINITELY taken (I think)

So, who's YOUR new Caleb?


Monday, August 12, 2013

News!

It's been a while since my latest blog post. I haven't been online much lately. I've been too busy traveling to book signings and enjoying the small window of summer afforded us in South Dakota, but I wanted to let you know about some awesome developments. Here goes!

Happy Release Day to Me!
After several months of waiting, Captive in the Dark is now available in audiobook format from Audible! I haven't had a chance to listen to it yet, but I'm very excited to hear my work read aloud by a professional. I tried to make my own about a year ago and discovered my tongue is twistier than previously thought (GAG REEL).

PURCHASE AUDIOBOOK


Captive in the Dark in Spanish!
I'm sorry to say that due to professional reasons I have chosen to remove Captive in the Dark from sale on Amazon. I'd rather not discuss why.

It will take a little time for the book to come down. Purchase it if you'd like: http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00EHS7QKS

Cautiva en la Oscuridad por CJ Roberts
Lamento decir que, debido a razones profesionales, he decidido quitar Cautiva en la Oscuridad de la venta en Amazon. Preferiría no discutir por qué.

Tomará un poco de tiempo para que el libro ha descendido. Compra si desea: http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00EHS7QKS

I'm coming to Las Vegas!!
Yes, in just 4 more days, I'll be arriving in Sin City for the Naughty Mafia Book Signing. I have been looking forward to this one for over a year!! To stalk me in person and hang out with my testosterone saturated entourage, please check out:

MY VEGAS SCHEDULE

Autographed Books
If you're coming to see me at a book signing, no worries, plenty of books. However, for those of you interested in purchasing autographed books via USPS, you can use the form below to place an order for September. I will gather information, send out PayPal invoices, and then order books.



Thank you all for your continued love and support. Being indie means constantly being on a grind, so thanks for helping me hustle. <3

Saturday, June 22, 2013

24 Hour Giveaway starts 22 Jun 2013

I'm busy. You're awesome. Enter to win free shit. Need winners fast. Contest lasts 24 hours. 

Love you,
CJ

BTW: TIX TO BOOKBASH ARE FOR ENTRY ONLY. YOU HAVE TO GET THERE ON YOUR OWN.



a Rafflecopter giveaway

Friday, May 24, 2013

ANGSTfest, the Official After Party of Book Bash!

The creators of Book Bash partnered with authors, S.C. Stephens and K.A. Linde, to create:  ANGSTfest, the Official After Party of Book Bash!

And we want to invite YOU!

Event Info:

Come party with the hottest angsty authors out there at the official Book Bash after party for FREE! Located in the same ballroom in the Hilton Doubletree as the book signing, you will get to hang out with more than 30 authors with a DJ and bartenders present.*

Where: Hilton Doubletree ballroom @ CityWalk
When: Saturday June 29th
Time: 7:00pm VIP early access, 8:00-11:00pm regular event access

How to Get Tickets:
  • go to:  www.bookbash.net/angstfest
  • Use the EventBrite access to get your FREE ticket
  • Bring your ticket with you to the event!
Author List:

Abbi Glines
AL Jackson
Andrea Randall
Carey Heywood
Charles Sheehan-Miles
Christina Lauren
CJ Roberts
Colleen Hoover
Dina Silver
Emily Snow
Gail McHugh
Georgia Cates
Gretchen de la O
Jenn Foor
Jenn Sterling
Jillian Dodd
KA Linde
Karina Halle
Kelli Maine
Kendall Grey
Kim Karr
Kristen Proby
Laura Kaye
Madeline Sheehan
Maggi Myers
Michelle Valentine
Monica Murphy
Nicole Edwards
Rebecca Donovan
Renee Carlino
SC Stephens
Shey Stahl
Sylvia Day
Tarryn Fisher
Willow Aster

Stay Connected to the Party:
Did you already have an ANGSTfest ticket?
  • You don't need to get one through EventBrite, because your name will be on the VIP list!
  • Stay tuned for other ways to make VIP and get in an hour early to see some of your favorite authors!
Can't wait to see you all there!  We hope to make this an unforgettable experience for each and every one of you!

AUTHOR NAME

*cash bar

Sunday, May 19, 2013

Epilogue: The Trailer

The Dark Duet series by CJ Roberts
Book 1: Captive in the Dark
Book 2: Seduced in the Dark
Book 3: Epilogue: The Dark Duet
www.aboutcjroberts.com

DISCLAIMER: This video is for entertainment purposes only. I own no pictures, art, or music. The actors or models shown in this video do not endorse the work or have any affiliation with The Dark Duet and CJ Roberts. 

Music: Sexy Motherfucker by Prince

TO VIEW ON MOBILE DEVICE, CLICK HERE.



Wednesday, April 24, 2013

Bloggers Delight: ARC Giveaway for Epilogue

Dearest Bloggers,
Thank you for an amazing couple of years. It's because of you that Captive in the Dark and Seduced in the Dark have sold a combined 160,000 copies since 2011. Unf***ing believable!

There are so many of you I've gotten to know and love. My honor roll has to include (in no particular order because I effin' love you girls): Sam, E, and R's Awesomeness, TotallyBooked, Maryse's Book Blog, Aestas Book Blog, Literati Lit Lovers,SMI Bookclub, and The SubClub Books. I know I've probably forgotten a few and for that I am deeply sorry. I'm going off the top of my head.

Anyway, since I announced that Epilogue: The Dark Duet would be coming out June 15th, 2013 I have been inundated with requests for ARC's. I would LOVE to fulfill the requests of all the amazing blogs out there, but the truth is, there are SO MANY and I have to find a way to choose.

With fairness in mind, I have decided to select 10 blogs to receive eARC copies of Epilogue: The Dark Duet as early as May 31st.

What you need to do:
Most of you probably already have reviews of Captive and Seduced on your blogs (have those links ready). However, Amazon has recently listed Epilogue: The Dark Duet for pre-order and if you make a blog post about it, it will count for 10points in the rafflecopter.

On May 15th, I will announce the 10 blogs that will receive ARC's. Under 'NAME' please list the name of your blog with your name in parenthesis. You can also have your followers enter on your behalf by selecting the appropriate Tweet button when they enter.

 a Rafflecopter giveaway

Wednesday, April 10, 2013

Expanded Distribution: The Dark Duet

This is going to be a short post, but very informative. I've been receiving emails lately from readers overseas asking how to get a hold of paperback copies of my books. I've been in touch with Createspace and they have been incredibly helpful.

If you are overseas and cannot get my books, please let your seller know they can sign up as a re-seller by completing an application HERE. Once the application is complete, they can begin ordering books at a discounted rate. If they have any questions, they can CONTACT CREATESPACE.

I hope this helps.

Much love,
CJ Roberts

Sunday, April 7, 2013

I can be SUCH a tease...and you love it.

I'll make this short and sweet. Epilogue: The Dark Duet (I might REALLY have to change the title, it's more of a trilogy now, isn't it...sigh.) will be released on June 15th, 2013. Yay!

I am presently at 35,000 words and am headed toward the magic number 55,000 that would turn it into a full-length novel. So, what's the story about?

Well, here's another lovely tease:

“Aren’t you going to fucking respond?” She was taunting me and enjoying it. Her chest rose and fell with gaining speed. I could make out the points of her nipples through her shirt.
I swallowed my food and sipped from my wine glass. I’d missed the familiarity of pushing Livvie’s buttons. I didn’t want to hurt her. I’d vowed not to hurt her again. It didn’t mean I had to become a pussy. “You want a response, Kitten?” Fear flickered just behind her angry stare. She shivered before she could stop it. -- Epilogue: The Dark Duet, Chapter 5, by CJ Roberts

I have to confess that I'm really enjoying my writing during this one. Not only do I get to explore Caleb's perspective, but I also get to tell a character-centered story.

Both Caleb and Livvie are having a difficult time trusting each other outside the dangerous world that thrust them together. Caleb is trying to discover a new side of himself while Livvie has also evolved from the person we knew. It's a process filled with many tumultuous emotions.

Panic lingered in my chest, but I had grown accustomed to the nightmares. I am nothing if not adaptable. What I found more frightening than the dream was the voice in my head telling me I’d never let Livvie go. Mine. Mine forever.
If you’re sighing with contentment, you’re either one sick fuck or you don’t grasp the seriousness of the situation. While I no longer kill, I am a killer. A killer in love is a very dangerous thing. -- Epilogue: The Dark Duet, Chapter 3, by CJ Roberts

 There is significantly less 'plot' to this installment of Caleb and Livvie's story, but what remains is a twisted tale about coping with the past in order to enjoy the present. It's about finding hope for the future.

Anyway, I've been in touch with Amazon and as soon as I finish my rough draft this month, they have agreed to put the ebook version of Epilogue: The Dark Duet up for pre-sale! I DO plan on having it available in paperback, but they won't be available until I return from SFINE. Look for it around June 19th. I'll post links as soon as they are set up.

Again, thanks for your continued support. You rock!


Thursday, April 4, 2013

I'm a Hustler, Baby. I Just Want You to Know...

"...It ain't where I been, but where I'm 'bout to go" - Jay Z

Well, as usual, it’s been some time since my last blog post. My life has been pretty tumultuous the last couple months, but that’s boring. Let’s get to the good stuff!

Seduced in the Dark needs your votes!
Last week, one of my readers posted something awesome on my Facebook page. Apparently, Seduced in the Dark has been nominated for Best Indie BDSM-D/s by the Indie Romance Convention. YAAAAAY!
Voting runs April 1st – April 30th and Seduced in the Dark is currently in the lead with 44% of the vote! Did you just shit your pants? I did!


It’s not that I doubt you guys, but you just continue to surprise me with your level of support. I am consistently blown away. I’m pretty much a pessimist, if I were in Star Wars, I’d be a Sith because I live on The Dark Side, but damn it if you guys aren’t making me smile more and more often. You’re the best. Seriously.

Anyway, I hope you’ll all continue to flex your index fingers for me and continue to vote as the month goes on. You can vote for Seduced in the Dark HERE.
You can also vote in a laundry list of categories and show your indie love for all of the other great authors nominated. VOTE NOW


Boston Author Event (BAE)
Boston was absolutely incredible. About 1300 people showed up and waited in line for over three hours just to take a picture with their favorite authors and get things signed. Wow! Everyone I met was wonderful; kind and so exuberant. Even though I made the mistake of missing breakfast and my arm was dead after it was over, I was overjoyed at having met so many of my readers. I also got to hang with the other authors and get lots of signed books (perks!).

Check out this vid of the line recorded by J. Cruz:

It’s a strange thing when people say I’m famous because I really don’t think that’s true. However, being in Boston and surrounded by so many avid fans, I really felt like a celebrity. It was a little scary, lol. I could definitely let an experience like that go to my head. Luckily, I had my BFF with me to remind me I ain’t shit. Ha!

I have to do some writing today, so I won’t go into too much detail about BAE. Jewelz from SMI BookClub did more justice to it than I could. Read her recap HERE.

CLICK FOR PICS OF BOSTON

Friday, March 8, 2013

BAE Sale! Also, an Epilogue Update


Hi, Everyone!
In case you don’t like me on Facebook or follow me on Twitter, I wanted to post this video I made today about Epilogue: The Dark Duet and why it is NOT out yet. The short and sweet of it is: I’m still writing and I don’t know when I’ll be done.



One of the many reasons I am not done, is that I am preparing to go to Boston next week for BAE! I CANNOT WAIT! I have been itching to get out of South Dakota and connect with my readers (and drink a lot of green beer).

To celebrate my first book signing of the year and to make amends for my epic fail, I have decided to have a sale for The Dark Duet. For a very limited time, you will be able to purchase Captive in the Dark AND Seduced in the Dark for 99cents each. Applies only to Amazon Kindle users and Barnes & Noble (use the book links or you might not find it for 99cents). The sale will run 3/8 – 3/13. 

Here’s your chance to get all your friends who wonder why the hell you’re so sick in the head to experience The Dark Duet for themselves.

Also, since you’ve all been the most loyal, amazing, inspiring, supportive, stalkeriest, and just plain BEST FANS EVER, I’ve also posted a teaser for you below. STOP READING IF YOU DON’T LIKE TEASERS!








Chapter Two
Epilogue: The Dark Duet
by CJ Roberts

I wasn’t sure what to expect when I put the key-card into the door. I knew what the room would look like. I knew Livvie would think it was beautiful. I knew there was an enormous bed waiting to be soiled. What I didn’t know, was if I’d get the chance to use it the way I wished.

“Wow, Caleb.” Livvie stepped inside and put her purse on the coffee table. “You certainly know how to make an impression. First the car, now the room.”

I shrugged from the foyer. “The car’s rented. Technically, so is the room. I have good taste though, no one can deny me that.”

“No, I guess they can’t.” She wandered to the curtains and pulled them back. It seemed to be a clear indication she didn’t trust me.

I took the insult as best I could. How insulted did I really have a right to be? I knew she believed the hotel to be a secure place to meet. All she’d have to do was scream and someone would probably hear us. Of course, the key word there was probably. I was tempted to remind her that if I were so inclined, she wouldn’t even get to scream. However, I figured it wasn’t in my best interest to point such things out to her.

I walked into the living area and made myself comfortable on the sofa. I wanted to get the preliminary’s out of the way as soon as possible and get back to more pleasurable pursuits. In the meantime, I watched Livvie. Always inquisitive, my Livvie, a curious little kitten. I eyed her from my seat as she ran her long fingers along the furniture, the drapes, and the Tiffany lamp on the desk.

“Livvie.” She focused on me. Her nerves were obvious. “Come sit with me.”


She shook her head slightly. “I’m not sure that’s such a good idea.”

I rested my head on my fist. I stared. On this point there would be no discussion. I’d made my request clear and I expected her to acquiesce. I wasn’t going to argue moot points. I took great pleasure in exerting my dominance. It was a part of me and I wouldn’t apologize for it. Besides, it was fun watching her squirm.

Taking my bait, Livvie filled the silence (it’s incredible how much this continues to work). “Caleb…come on. You know the second I go over there you’re just going to pounce on me.” She was biting her lip again, her fingers nervously tugging on it. “Caleb? Are you even going to say anything? Oh, okay, so you’re just going to sit over there, looking all ‘you know you want me’? I’m not scared of you, Caleb.” She crossed her arms over her chest and tried her best to look intimidating. “I have pepper spray in my purse!”

I couldn’t help it. I burst into laughter.

“Oh my God, you’re such a jerk,” she said. She walked toward me and unceremoniously plopped onto the sofa. “Fine! I’m here.”

I was still holding my stomach when my laughter finally subsided and I could make eye-contact without starting up again. “I’m sorry, Livvie, I really am. You kill me. Pepper spray? I’ve tracked you all over the world and that’s what’s going to stop me—pepper spray.”

Livvie’s wide grin was my reward for all the slaps and insults she’d thrown my way during the course of the evening. “Well, maybe it wouldn’t stop you. It would still be fun to watch you roll around on the ground crying for a while.” She shrugged. “It might still be fun.”

We laughed for little while, diffusing all the tension. I felt completely at ease by the time we were done laughing and I knew Livvie did too. Her shoulders had dropped. Her fingers had stopped fidgeting.

“I missed you, Caleb.”

“I missed you, Livvie.”

Livvie took off her heels and set them beside the sofa. As she pressed her toes into the carpet and grabbed at the thick fibers, she smiled at me. She sat up straight, bending her knees so she could sit on her feet. It was a relaxed and casual pose. It was a good sign for things to come. “All over the world, eh? Tell me about that.”

I stared at her for a second, but I relented. It was best to get it out of the way. I took off my shoes and adopted a more comfortable pose as well. There is nothing more unattractive than having to stop getting naked to remove ones shoes. I like to think ahead.

“Yes. I looked for you everywhere and anywhere I could think of. If you really wanted me to find you, you could have left me a note in Mexico. It was the first place I looked.” I reached out with my right hand and stroked Livvie’s cheek. I loved that she let me.

“I didn’t think it was a good idea. The FBI knew you’d left me the money. I was afraid if I left you a note they’d know you were alive. I couldn’t risk it.” She smiled, though it didn’t quite reach her eyes.

I don’t know what I felt upon hearing her words. I was touched. I was angry. I was sad. “I’m sorry you had to go through that. They made you change your name.” I hadn’t counted on Livvie’s love. I’d been too sick about Rafiq to believe she’d ever try to protect me. There are no words for what I was feeling. Once again, I was hollow and full to bursting.

“I like my new one.” She reached for my hand and held it on her knee. “I’d do it again, Caleb—in a heartbeat. I don’t know how you feel about it, but I want you to know I’m happy. I have a great life.”

“I guess that counts for something. If I’d let you come with me…I don’t know. I doubt you’d be the same person. I doubt you’d be as happy as you seem to be.” My own words gave me pause. I’d been right to leave her behind. Had I been right to return?

She gave me a sidelong look. Her smirk hinted at amusement, but her eyes promised retribution. “You’re not off the hook, Caleb. If you hadn’t left me at the border with a gun, I wouldn’t have had to make a scene to get back into the country. They were barely even looking for me. So don’t give me that ‘all’s well that ends well’ bullshit.”

She got a chuckle out of me. “Point taken. So how was your time with the FBI?” I was genuinely interested in what she had to say. I’d had some close calls in the past year. At the time I assumed it was the FIA in Pakistan trying to find me. I was sure they didn’t appreciate Rafiq had gone missing, nor the fact he had been connected to the Zahra’ Bay. I played with my life every time I went into the country. I wondered if the FBI had been looking for me too.

Livvie looked sad for a fleeting moment before she plastered a smile on her face. “I’ll get to that. There’s a lot you should know. First, I want to know how you found me. I want to know what you’ve been up to. I don’t want to have to change my name again.”

“What happened to doing it again in a heartbeat?” I provoked.

“Don’t be an idiot,” she said and nudged me with her knee.

I let out a defeated sigh. “After Mexico, I decided to try your old neighborhood.” Livvie looked aghast. I was quick to reassure her no one had been hurt. “I didn’t talk to anyone. I couldn’t take the chance. I waited outside your former apartment building, but I realized pretty quickly your family didn’t live there anymore.” I inched a bit closer to Livvie on the sofa. I didn’t move so much she’d notice, at least not right away. “I must have scouted the bus stop for weeks, just hoping. Which, in retrospect, was pretty dumb. Why would you go back there?

“After your old neighborhood proved fruitless, I remember you talked about your friend Nicole. And before you get all huffy – I didn’t talk to her either. I just stole her laptop.”

“Caleb!” Livvie admonished.

I shrugged unapologetically. “Are you glad I found you or what? Your whereabouts weren’t just going to fall out of thin air.” I practically dared her to tell me there had been another way. Having quickly settled the fact there hadn’t been, I went on with my story. “I found an email that could only have come from you.” I moved a tiny bit closer. I don’t think she realized. “You sounded really sad. You mentioned going to the Eiffel Tower by yourself. Someone stole your wallet. It was months after the incident, but I still worried for you.
You said you weren’t over me.”

Livvie looked away from me. She had tears in her eyes and she was working hard to make it seem as though she didn’t. While I didn’t necessarily relish her pain at the memory, it boded well for me. It made me believe there was a chance for us.

She cleared her throat and wiped at her eyes with the back of her finger. “Ugg! I thought I was past this part. I promise, I’m not quite as emotional as I used to be.” She smiled. “I guess you just bring it out of me. I like your hair. How long is it?”

“It’s camouflage. I keep it back because it annoys me when it touches my shoulders.” I didn’t want to talk about my hair. I reached up and collected a tear racing down her cheek. I drank it. I knew it didn’t make sense to her. If anything, she seemed more embarrassed. However, it was my way of taking her pain away. It was a promise. I didn’t go around drinking random people’s tears. I’m not that creepy.

Livvie took a deep breath and exhaled slowly. Some of the tension from earlier was slinking its way back into our intimate moment. “Some things never change I guess,” she whispered.

I moved closer, until our knees brushed. My arm rested on the back of the sofa and I was able to touch her hair with my fingers. Warmth spread through me as I watched her eyelids slide shut. “Everything is in the process of becoming something else. It’s the law of change.” I briefly kissed Livvie’s eyelids before she could open them. “I’m in the process of becoming something else, Livvie. I hope it’s something good, something far removed from the monster you knew.”

“Wow!” Livvie said. Her tears had gotten the better of her and she raced to put distance between us. She wiped hurriedly at her cheeks. “Holy shit, Caleb. How can I keep from being a mess when you say things like that? I don’t even know how to feel.”

I smiled and moved back. I had her where I wanted her, but more than that, I had her where I needed her. In a place where she could admit she could forgive me for the past. In a place where we were possible.

Over the next several hours, I relayed the many airline tickets I had purchased to search for her. The places I had almost caught up and missed her. I told her about Germany and the café. She hadn’t been happy to hear about that one, but accepted I wasn’t quite ready to approach her at the time.

She told me about her travels, the people she’d met and how she’d thought about me a great deal. Of particular interest to me was the fact she had been writing about us. She explained it began in the hospital while she was being interrogated by the FBI. She explained she’d wanted to preserve her memories, or more accurately, her feelings, before the agents assigned to her case could alter them. Apparently, the bastards had done quite a number on her. She promised to fill me in completely at a later time (I was happy she’d already made plans for a ‘later’).

Her statements didn’t make sense to me until much later when I finally got to read Livvie’s story for myself. I’m glad I didn’t understand what she meant at first. I don’t know if I could have handled it. I was too new to guilt, too new to opening myself up to someone else’s suffering—especially hers.

She attempted to ask questions about our last days in Mexico. I was honest and told her it was too much for me to discuss so soon. I’d tell her at some point (obviously, you know I did). She didn’t like it, but she used it as leverage to dodge questions about the FBI and what she learned about me (I’m glad she didn’t tell me that night).

For the most part we tried not to delve too deeply into subjects that were excruciating to either one of us. It was more about discovering how we felt toward one another after so much time had gone by. As our feelings became more obvious, we were able to discuss our present instead of our past. I liked that much better. I liked hearing about Livvie going to school. I listened to her talk about the endless possibilities of her future and it made me feel somewhat better about…well, everything. I would be lying if I told you I was over what happened with Rafiq. Far from it. Still, it gave me a modicum of solace to know that if he had lived, Livvie’s future would not be so bright.

Too quickly, the hours had ticked by. The night had gone silent and in a few hours, pre-dawn would be approaching. My thoughts began to turn toward more carnal diversions and talking had begun to lose its appeal.

“It’s late,” she whispered. She had her feet on the sofa, her knees pulled up to her chin. Her dark eyes begged me to come closer. Her legs threatened to push me away.

I felt myself getting hard, my dick throbbing in rhythm with my heartbeat. I was transported to Felipe’s plantation in Madera. I remembered the first night I whipped her. She’d known she was in trouble and she hid under the sink. She was curled up in much the same way, eyes staring up at me, legs trembling ever so slightly. I remembered the thrill of making her surrender. I couldn’t help what turned me on, but I didn’t let my impulses get the better of me.

“I know. I still don’t want this night to end,” I said. I wanted to make myself as clear as possible, whatever she decided to do after that was fine.

“So…what then?” She raised her hand to her mouth and tugged gently at her lip. Her eyes had a mischievous glint.

“Well, the way I see it, you have three options. You can make me very sad by asking me to drive you home. You can take pity on me and spend the night. Or you can admit you want me to make love to you until you beg for mercy.” I leaned back and put my arms around the sofa. I let her see how hard I was for her, how much I wanted to be inside her.

She inhaled sharply. Her cheeks reddened. A quick glance downward revealed her toes, curled tightly. “You…still have a way with words.”  Her voice was breathy, but confident.

“Just laying it out for you.” I winked at her. I felt pretty confident about which of the three options she would choose. However, she has a way of throwing in her own surprises.

“I still have the pepper spray,” she teased.

“Kinky.” We laughed.

I knew she wanted me. It was written all over her face. It was in the way she licked her lips in preparation for being kissed, the way her eyes seemed to go dark. I had a moment of hesitation. I wasn’t sure what role she wanted me to play. On the one hand, it would have given me a lot of pleasure to tell her what to do. I liked being in control. I liked knowing she’d obey me of her own free will. On the other, I wasn’t sure how my dominance would be accepted? The last thing I wanted to do was scare her away. I didn’t want to remind her that once upon a time she hadn’t had a choice. “So, what’s it going to be, pet?”

She raised a brow. “Pet?” She didn’t seem put-off by the moniker, but a gentle warning was in her tone. I’m not your pet.”

“Force of habit,” I whispered unapologetically. Slow and easy it is.

“You have a lot of bad habits, Caleb.”

“But not all my habits are bad. Are they?” I let my hand rest on my dick. Her eyes followed my movements. She swallowed.

“No. There’s a few I’m quite fond of.” She met my eyes and held me captive.

“Do tell,” I whispered.

“Give me time, Caleb. I will. But…tonight? I just need you to know I’m not the scared girl you remember.” She brought her knees down and opened her legs. Her dress hid what was beneath, but her message was clear as she placed her hand on her pussy.

My heart beat erratically, spurred by her seduction. Beneath my own hand, my cock strained against my zipper. “I remember you were brave.” I managed to say beyond the lust clogging my throat.

“I remember you liked to watch me touch myself.” She inched her dress up her thighs. Her short, blunt fingernails left faint red trails along her smooth tan skin. “I remember I liked watching you too.” She shifted down and rested her head on the arm of the sofa.

I was beside myself. My mouth was dry; too many open-mouthed breaths. My heart was pounding. And my dick was rock fucking hard. “I’d like to do a hell of a lot more than watch.” I leaned forward and was met with instant resistance. Livvie’s foot pushed against my chest and urged me back against the sofa.

“We do it my way. Or not at all.” She threatened playfully.

I knew a battle I couldn’t win when I encountered it. I tilted my head toward Livvie in deference. “I can accept that.” I resumed my previous posture. “I await your every whim.” I baited her with my smile.

“Good.” She relaxed. Her fingers trailed lightly over her pussy. “You show me yours…and I’ll show you mine.”

I laughed softly. If it were possible to love her any more, I wasn’t sure I could stand it. “Hmm,” I sighed and unzipped my jeans. “As I recall, shyness was your obstacle, not mine.” I quickly undid my pants and opened them. My lust intensified as my cock hit the air. I resisted the urge to touch it. I took great satisfaction in hearing Livvie gasp. To her credit, she composed herself quickly.

“Very nice, Caleb. I know we’re both in the process of becoming something else, but it’s nice to know there are a few things that will never change.” She lifted her knee closest to the couch, causing her dress to ride up to her waist. She spread her legs and revealed her naked pussy. She hadn’t been wearing any underwear!

I reached for my dick and squeezed it. I wasn’t in any danger of embarrassing myself, but the impulse was simply too much to ignore. I took a deep breath and let it out slowly. I stroked myself once, twice, and stilled my hand. “You’re fucking beautiful.”

She blushed. “Thank you. So are you.”

I wasn’t sure how I felt about being called beautiful, but I took the compliment. I had much more interesting things on my mind.  “What now? I have to be honest; I’m not sure I can sit here and watch you play with yourself. I don’t have the self-control.”

“Would you force me?” She whispered. Her fingers parted her pussy, revealing how pink and wet she was.

“Fuck! No. But I’d be really childish about it.” I stuck out my bottom lip and she laughed.

“Oh my God,” she said through a smile. “You’re making this really difficult. Don’t ruin my fantasy.”
I composed my face. “I’m sorry. Go on. Far be it from me to deny you another fantasy. I was so fond of the last one.” I watched her mouth and remembered the way her lips slid over my cock. “Maybe we could relive that one too?”

“Maybe,” she teased. “If I come over there, will you put your arms on the couch and keep them there?”
I swallowed. “I’ll try.” I raised my arms to the back of the sofa and gripped it. I’m hard again just remembering how sexily she crawled across the sofa toward me. Livvie is a predator in her own right.

My eyes drifted shut at the first touch of her hand against my chest. I knew she could feel how hard my heart was beating. I might have been even more nervous than she was. Her dress was soft as it caressed my aching cock. “Your dress is going to get ruined. Take it off.” I whispered as enticingly as I was able.

“Shh,” she whispered against my ear. The smell of her skin infiltrated my senses. I held tighter to the sofa. “I want it just like this.” Her thighs straddled mine and her wet pussy made contact with my dick.

I thrust upward. I couldn’t fucking help it. “Goddamn it, Kitten! Just let me fuck you already.”



Wednesday, February 27, 2013

WIP Wednesday

If you don't like me on Facebook or follow me on Twitter, you're missing out on some juicy stuff! Earlier today I posted a teaser from my Work In Progress, Epilogue: The Dark Duet.



‎#Epilogue update and #Teaser : Well, I'm up to 30K words and still writing. I'm truly very sorry I told you about it before it was done because I know you're all going to want to kill me if it isn't out next month. However, I'm sure you'll let me live long enough to finish the story :D I'm going to post a teaser below. Not because I want to torture you, but because I like making you a part of the process. If you don't want to read STOP NOW!

CHAPTER 8: Okay, before I even go on, please let me say I am not proud of what I did next. I was bored and insatiably curious. Also, in case you haven’t noticed, I’m not your typical boyfriend material.

It was the first time I’d ever been in Livvie’s apartment alone. She had classes during the day but didn’t have to work in the evening. She asked if I’d be there when she came home and I said yes because it beat being in my hotel room.

The sun flooded Livvie’s apartment despite the fact it was December and the day promised to be slightly overcast. I lay in her bed, smothered in throw pillows of various colors and shapes. I felt especially dirty jerking off in her frilly bed. I was sure to wipe up my come with a fuzzy pink pillow. I hoped it would prompt Livvie to throw the damn thing away.

Afterward, I took a shower, made myself a bowl of Cocoa Puffs, and perused the stack of movies Livvie had rented and left on the coffee table. I’d never been the type of man who liked to eat cereal, let alone kid cereal, but Livvie loved the stuff and it was often the only thing I could find in her kitchen. I knew she could cook when she wanted to, but it seemed the mood rarely struck her. Some nights we ate cereal for dinner.

I decided not to watch the movies without Livvie since she seemed to enjoy regaling me with random movie factoids as we watched. I made the mistake of asking why we were watching “Episode IV” instead of starting from the beginning and what followed was a diatribe about George Lucas and how he ruined Star Wars when he released three prequels. I didn’t much care, but I enjoyed watching Livvie rant about things that weren’t me. What I didn’t much enjoy was the way she stared at me the entire time I watched the movie to gauge my response during ‘awesome’ scenes.

As I sat on the couch eating my cereal, my eyes landed on Livvie’s laptop. It was just sitting on the coffee table – daring me! Livvie was on the thing whenever she had time. I knew she was writing something, Claudia had confirmed my suspicions during Thanksgiving. I remembered the way Livvie had snapped at her to be quiet. It only made me more curious. I wondered what she would find worth keeping from me and determined fairly quickly it had to be about me, or us, or better – her.

I shoveled the remainder of my cereal into my mouth and set the bowl on the table. I scooped up the laptop without a moment’s thought and opened it. A smile curved my lips when I saw her screensaver. It was a picture of me asleep on her couch on Thanksgiving. I was wearing pants, but the photograph focused on my face and naked chest. What a little pervert, taking pictures of me while I’m helpless.

I was prompted for a password. Why did she have to have a password? Didn’t she trust me? I hope you’re smiling because I know I am.


Tuesday, February 12, 2013

Cover Revealed!

Epilogue: The Dark Duet
Coming in 2013

Well, here's the cover! I think it's beautiful and a great addition to the series. A huge THANK YOU to Pixel Mischief for designing another amazing cover. 

I am still in the process of writing this novella. I planned to do 25K words (about 100 pages), but I'm still writing and the words aren't stopping yet. I hope to have it out sometime in March, but I don't want to rush it. This story deserves my attention and great care. I would be doing a disservice to the fans of the series if I rushed a single word. So please be patient and consider following me on Twitter or Facebook to stay up to date with my progress. 

It's going to be an amazing year.


Saturday, February 9, 2013

Cover Reveal and Giveaway for Epilogue: The Dark Duet

So, in case you missed it. I released some news on February 4th. I have been working on a novella to accompany The Dark Duet, called Epilogue: The Dark Duet. The story is told from Caleb's POV and is quite a departure from my previous two books in that it's pretty much from Caleb to the reader.

Since Seduced in the Dark came out I've been flooded with emails, tweets, and Facebook posts asking me for more about Caleb and Livvie. I tried to resist. I PROMISE, I did, but the truth is I really missed these characters too! There won't be any new revelations. The ending in Seduced in the Dark remains intact. This is simply a more fleshed out version, full of intimate moments and struggles I kept 'off screen'.

My original plan was to write a book for Agent Reed, my spin-off character from The Dark Duet. Rest assured I still plan to write the delicious Agent Reed his own tale. However, my first love is always going to be Caleb and if I'm really honest with myself, there was still some story to tell at the end of book two. Not much, but enough to revisit these two.

So why didn't I write it?

Well, the book was already over 500 pages. I didn't have enough for a third book, but my second was already full to bursting. Caleb and Livvie had already been to hell and back, what more could I do to these poor souls? The action was over, the plot was revealed, so I wrote the ending and tried to make it the best I could without dragging it out any longer than I needed. Brevity has never been one of my virtues.

But a novella isn't a novel. It's only 100 pages and I definitely have 100 pages worth of Caleb and Livvie to write. This epilogue is really for the fans of the series. People who didn't like it, or read it for the sole purpose of tearing it down are going to hate it, but they aren't my audience. For the fans of this series, I suspect they will feel much like I do as I write it (and you bet your ass I'm still writing!), it's like visiting with old friends.

That said, I have the final cover for Epilogue: The Dark Duet and it is amazing! I'm so grateful to Pixel Mischief for designing yet another stunning cover for this series. I will post the cover when I get up to 3500 'Likes' on My Facebook Page. I'm close (I didn't want to set the bar too high, I'm desperate to share this cover with you!). In addition, I've decided to giveaway for an AUTOGRAPHED copy of Captive in the Dark. You can enter below. I'll draw a winner on the day of the cover reveal.

The autographed copy is open to U.S. Residence only, but for my international readers, I'll offer both ebooks.

Thank you all for your amazing support. You are the best!

My Love,
CJ



a Rafflecopter giveaway

Friday, January 18, 2013

Calling all reviewers...

I am putting something together and would like to include some of my interviews. If you have interviewed me or have some burning questions about The Dark Duet you would like answered, please post your links to interviews or your questions in the comments section.

Please note - Your questions and interviews may be chosen to be included in ebook or print editions of my work. I'll give due credit to interviewers by including links to blog sites where the material can be read.

Thanks!
CJ

Monday, January 7, 2013

2013 Upcoming Appearances

I want to start this first post of 2013 by saying THANK YOU to all of my incredible readers, stalkers, and lunatic fans. Thank you for all the posts, tweets, emails (esp. those containing nudity...you know who you are), and most importantly, THE REVIEWS.

Between Captive in the Dark and Seduced in the Dark, I have sold approximately 100,000 copies!!! Believe me when I tell you (and the IRS) I NEVER thought I would sell that many. I was shocked when I sold 100! Then my first 1,000. When I sold 5,000 - I bawled like a child.

To date, The Dark Duet has yet to find a home in mainstream publishing. This is how my former agent put it:

"All agreed that you're an incredible writer but just felt it was too dark. If you would like, I can send you the passes I have."


Passes held phrases like: 
"Too dark"
"The anti-hero is too awful"
"The material itself is too much of a risk"


In summary: I'm too fucking awesome and so are you!


My career exists ONLY because of the fans. I make my rent one sale at a time and every day I am busting my ass to make sure bills get paid. How could I not be grateful to you all? You're the best.

Thank you for an amazing 2012 and for the opportunity to make 2013 the best year yet! To get it started, I have FOUR upcoming appearances and the names are astounding! You won't believe the company I am in. I feel like a spy infiltrating a group of talent far classier than me. LOL!

I hope you'll all come out and see me. I'd love to have a beer with you, or a glass of wine, or if things get really exciting, I'd be happy to play 'look-out' while you siphon some premium gasoline out of a lambo.

Much Love,
CJ


2013 UPCOMING APPEARANCES

Boston Author Event (BAE)
OMNI Parker Hotel
March 16, 2013, Noon - 4PM

San Francisco Independent Authors Event (SFINE)
June 15, 2013, Noon - 4PM
Sheraton Fisherman's Wharf
RSVP is required

The Naughty Mafia Rocks Vegas
Aug. 16-20 (several events, different times)
Hard Rock Hotel and Casino
RSVP and payment is required to eat dinner and attend events with the authors. Sign up fast!

Unnamed Event
New Orleans
October
More information as it develops